The story of Phoebe Blacksmith and Warren Sutherland (both AOS Culinary Arts 2002) is one of two cultures coming together at NECI. Where they came from, how they got to Vermont and where they went together is all part of the mix.
I had no money, so I put in a garden. I started in March, seedlings tucked safely near the wood stove. Three months later I served my first salad and the idea for Village Roots was born. My name is Kathryn (KT) Vanderminden and I graduated from NECI in 2006. My husband Adam and I own Village Roots catering. We specialize in seasonal, local, homegrown, heirloom Vermont catering.
Todd MacDonald is a midwestern boy from Minneapolis who grew up in a foodie family. His mom was a great cook and his dad, who loved food and wine, made sure it was a constant part of their life.
Early on and unbeknownst to Terrie Kohl her culinary journey was unraveled before her, taking twists and turns and taking her to unexpected places. But it has been a journey she has enjoyed, and quite honestly, she is eager to see what is coming around the next bend.
Rick Mace grew up on his family's farm in rural Ohio, knowing where his food came from, and understanding the toils of farming and gardening. But just like life on the farm, the food also was simple. So he remembers clearly when his Father, who was in the Air Force, returned from Greece.
Nathan Anda didn't settle on a culinary career until he'd been on his own for awhile. Nathan left New Hampshire to go to college, first in Nebraska and then at school in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Manuel Treviño has been in his mother's kitchen since he was four years old. He loved food, and eating of course! He was known to push his parents out of the kitchen and rummage around in the crisper pulling out assorted ingredients to make them a salad.
When Lenny Rice (1998 Essex Culinary) was 10 years old her mom made her a t-shirt that read "It's Just Lenny." Everyone hoped that would answer the question that even I asked - is Lenny short for anything?
When Jeffrey Amoscato was growing up, his aunt had a local cooking store and school. At the young age of eight he started to take cooking classes for kids and sit in on cooking classes for adults.
Jamie Eisenberg didn't plan on a culinary life. She received her Bachelor's of Fine Arts at the Rhode Island School of Design for printmaking. Her start was pretty typical - washing dishes to make some extra money while she was at school.
Some of the fondest childhood memories held by Dennis Marriott are putting up vegetables and fruits with his mother, sharing regular suppers with extended family and enjoying the bounty at annual reunions in West Virginia.
Barry Maiden started working in kitchens to make some money. He and a friend got jobs when they were sixteen at Shoney's and then moved to The Martha Washington Inn in Abingdon, Virginia.
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